06/10/11 - On Wednesday, June 8, 2011, President Obama highlighted the NAM-Endorsed Manufacturing Skills Certification System as a key step towards building the educated and skilled workforce U.S. manufacturers need to successfully compete in the 21st century economy. President Obama cited the goal to credential 500,000 students with nationally portable, industry-recognized certifications to join the manufacturing workforce within the next 5 years. Several national partnerships were announced to help realize this goal. Click here to read more about Wednesday's event and the White House press release.